WASHINGTON: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, the Middle East region’s largest multinational exercise from February 9-20.
“IMX 25 involved 5,000 personnel from more than 30 nations and international organisations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation,” said a statement issued by the CENTOCM on Friday.
The 12-day exercise, hosted by the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), offered a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate and illustrate the importance of regional maritime security cooperation.
This year’s iterations of IMX is linked with exercise Cutlass Express, a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa-led annual exercise designed to enhance regional maritime awareness and the combined capabilities of partner nations to respond to maritime threats.
The statement added the operational phase of IMX included partner exchanges on mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, vessel defence, search and rescue, and mass casualty response.
“Allies and partners at IMX 25 also had an opportunity to train with Combined Task Force West (CTF-W) Headquarters where partner forces performed Explosive Ordnance Disposal and dive operations, Close Quarters Combat drills, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) container climbs.,” the statement said.
It added additionally, CTF-W hosted eight partner nations, including six members from the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) Coast Guard in Aqaba, the Northern Red Sea, and Eilat.
“IMX 25 demonstrates the collective commitment of our respective allies and partners to support regional maritime security cooperation, increase interoperability, and strengthen security and stability in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.
This was the ninth iteration of IMX since its establishment in 2012.
